New Brunswick's new government commits $26.6M to Saint John harbour cleanup

SAINT JOHN, NB-In fulfillment of an election promise, New Brunswick's new Premier Shawn Graham and his cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the cleanup of the Saint John harbour. The MOU commits the province to providing $26.6 million, representing one-third of the cost of the harbour cleanup. An estimated $80 million remains to be funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Graham said the government is stepping up its efforts to ensure the project is completed within seven years, two years ahead of the original schedule. The commitment comes only a week after the new cabinet was sworn in, with Roland Haché named the province's new Environment Minister. Graham has also established a separate Department of Fisheries and a new Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture, to underline the distinct importance of these resource industries to New Brunswick's economy.